Up to 20 journalists reportedly fired from Ethiopian broadcaster

Ethiopia's state-run Oromia Radio and Television Organization (ORTO) allegedly sacked up to 20 journalists on June 25. Neither the station nor the government has given reasons for the reported firings, but Reporters Without Borders said ORTO management found the reporters had "narrow political views".

Up to 20 journalists reportedly fired from Ethopian broadcaster

“In our view, this development must be seen as an attempt by the authorities to marginalize and supress all potential critiques ahead of the national elections scheduled for 2015 in Ethiopia. These journalists must be allowed to return to work and must not be subjected to any threats or obstruction.”en.rsf.org

Supporters have gone online to express outrage over the reported dismissals:

A region w/re opinions criminalised, 1st nation firing 20 #journalists in a day all from ethnic Oromo, i.e Ethiopia.http://t.co/nf2Ux4iLYMOdaa Oromoo

The journalists wee fired because they spoke against the government's violence against peaceful Oromo students. #OromoProtests @CPJLammi Ijara

The alleged terminations reportedly followed discussions among government officials and journalists over a controversial city development plan, the Integrated Master Plan of Addis Ababa. Activists say the expansion plan will encroach onto Oromia land, though officials say it would provide benefits to the state.

The ORTO journalists reportedly opposed the station's lack of coverage of student protests against the plan and the police response that left many arrested, injured and killed during clashes in May.

People have to understand that Addis Ababa has a population of 4 million people and needs more space and expansion as the symbolic capital of Africa. There will be those who oppose the expansion but in order for Ethiopia to grow we must set our ethnic allegiances aside for the greater good.﻿youtube.com

This is deliberate and very strategic movement to dissolve the culture and identity of Oromo people, i am not pessimistic to development however the development has to be inclusive.youtube.com

Press freedom in Ethiopia has long been under scrutiny. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Ethiopia is currently jailing at least 17 journalists. Additionally, six members of the Zone 9 bloggers' group have been detained since April, prompting the campaign to #FreeZone9Bloggers.

Several requests for comments from government officials have not been answered.